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WIPs 2013

December 11, 2013

This week I have started working on socks for my Dad. My Mom has wanted to make them for years, but her arthritis and socks don't get along. So, I am making them.

For his size 13 feet.

You read that right.

Obviously I'm using worsted weight. And I'm going toe up because I have no idea how much cuff you can make and still have enough yarn for SIZE 13 MEN'S FEET.

Unfortunately, this Cascade 220 superwash has two flaws. It is NOT worsted weight. Maybe sport weight. But it's too late to change... not a lot of wool selection in Hawaii. And, Cascade 220 is now made in China. Horrible. I pretty much bought it because I have no choice but I won't be buying it again. Which is sad because the colors are amazing.

I finished my book. We are taking baby someplace cold for the holidays. Everything takes longer with a baby. So, rather than start a new book, my reading for the foreseeable future will only be my blog roll on Bloglovin.

October 20, 2013

**Updated to tell you to put your comments on this post (not here!). That way you can see the cool prizes** (don't worry Kate, I moved your comment over!)

I was going to write a post last week about my latest WIP.

And then I got some awesome mail.

And then I realized it was a special date this last week. So, here is a compilations of thoughts...

Early in Partner’s and my relationship, we went for a hike. It was a holiday weekend and we got into the parking lot late. We were about 500 yards down the trail when we discovered that neither of us had brought water. We discussed going back but didn’t want to lose any more time. For the first 2 ½ hours, we only saw one other person. It was during this lonely stretch of time that the foolishness of what we’d done by not bringing water struck. Twelve miles and five hours later, our hike was done and boy were we thirsty.

Since then, if one of us (or both of us) is making a bad decision to save time, the other will say, “No, don’t go back for the water.”

This is relevant to knitting because I’m working on a new project. It’s pretty mindless knitting so I’ve livened things up by practicing some techniques that are not required by the project, namely kitchener stitch and provisional cast-ons. Not wanting to wait to start knitting, I decided I “pretty much” knew how to do a crocheted cast on.

After I was done with one segment, I discovered I should have gone back for the water. Fortunately, I only had to untangle an 18 stitch provisional cast-on.

Hopefully I’ll have an FO early next week!

What are you knitting?

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I was lamenting my lack of knitting mojo with a friend. All I want to do is knit for Wiggle. But most of the time, it's so hot that he's in a diaper. So sweaters, hats, etc seem kind of stupid. And everything for myself sounds equally stupid. It doesn't help that I mostly have wool, angora, cashmere, et cetera.

Well, my wonderful friend sent me a little something to get my knitting mojo back. It's silk and seacell. The night it showed up, I didn't get the house cleaned or get to bed on time... but I knew what this was destined to become!

And

My project bag

It just makes me smile when I look at it.

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Which brings me to my final point! My FOUR year blogiversary snuck up on me this past week! So, let's have a giveaway! I really haven't had time to get down and look in my stash, but let's get started anyway.

For one entry: help me find something fun to knit for Wiggle

For a second entry, blog about this post.

I think I'll leave the giveaway open for two weeks. I have a little compassion for fellow moms that might not get to read blogs each day and thus miss out on giveaways. That also gives me a litle bit to find a good yarn treasure (or two). I'll do another post in a couple days with the cut-off details and maybe I'll have a yarn treat up by then!

August 29, 2013

Reading is super secret this week, though hopefully I can say more soon.

That wonderful skein of yarn that Rue sent? It's becoming the Woodland Shawl or - as I like to call it - the Letdown Shawl.

I am pumping 3-4 times a day at work. Given the alternatives of staring at a wall, thumbing through gossip mags or realizing I had about 45 minutes to knit each day, you can see what I chose. As you might imagine, it's often the only knitting I do in a day.

This project is also part of Andi's KAL/CAL... we'll see if I can knit a shawl in two months only working on it at work or if there will be some additional knitting at home. Come join us... there are yarn prizes!

And guess who turned 3 months old yesterday? Mister Adorable! I've decided he is the most beautiful baby I know. You may chat among yourselves about who should be in second... :)

May 18, 2013

I wish I could take credit for anything in this post, but at least I can feel truly lucky to have so many friends and family that are willing to share a crafty gift with Wiggle!

First to arrive were blankets from Nana:

Years ago my mother made my brother and I matching crocheted blankets. She said she liked the idea of Mama and Wiggle snuggled up in matching afghans. So now there is a Wiggle sized one!

Here it is on the rocking chair Partner got me for Christmas this year; this chair and afghan will spend a lot of time together.

And a close up for the beautiful colors...

Even longer ago, my Mom was trying to finish a blanket for a friend of mine that was having a baby. She wasn't sure she'd finish her project and bought this quilt as a back up. I'm glad she finished her project in time so I could get this hand-quilted blanket! This is already on Wiggle Bug's bed. :)

Now, I've shown off L's wonderful work already, but missed showing off the wonderful handknit that accompanied it. I thought I'd be writing this post so much sooner, but alas, missed the boat. The generous an ever-thoughtful Melissa whipped up this super soft shrug for Wiggle. I've already saved the pattern because I know it's going to be perfect in Hawaii. You'll see this pattern here again!

I actually found the card that came with it so funny. I think it's amazing that someone I've never met can know me well enough to know that I would find this hilarious too.

My wonderful and prodigious knitting friend A, sent along this gorgeous sweater. She mentioned that she wasn't sure about a wool sweater in Hawaii, but I think it's nice and open and the short sleeves are great.

And the frogs are so cute.

My sister-in-law knit up this softie toy. Oh my gosh, I love Wiggle but I don't know if I have the patience for all these tentacles. I know this seems like an odd toy, but it's perfect for someone like me that used to work with fish so much. Or, it's just a mythical Kraken and now I'll have to figure out how to knit unicorns and other magical creatures. :)

Meanwhile, I've officially started maternity leave and am reveling in all the time. I completely overscheduled the day yesterday with errands and was pretty much a tired wreck by 4 p.m. yesterday.

I told Partner that he needs to keep me in check so that I stop doing this.

But, last night, as one of Wiggle's due dates came and went, I relaxed a bit and found myself slowly surrounded by various Wiggle Bug projects.

I'm pretty smitten with this little fellow, Baby Pach...

And there are other secret projects about. Trying my hand at different crafts. Perhaps more on the later... but now, back to the yarn....